Series Recap: Benintendi Homers in 2-1 Series Loss vs Tri-City

The Spinners played a three game series against the Tri-City, losing two of the three games. Despite the losses, there were many bright spots between the offense and pitching performances.

The series started off well, with the Spinners grinding out a 2-1 victory. Dioscar Romero started for Lowell as he pitched four innings, giving up three hits, only one run, and struck out two batters. The Spinners received tremendous efforts out of relievers Logan Boyd, Taylor Nunez, and Bobby Poyner, who picked up the save. All relief pitchers combined to give up no runs and five strikeouts.

The offense was led by Luis Alexander Basabe, who went 2-3 with a double and scored a run. Player of the game Josh Ockimey drove in the winning run in the bottom of the second inning. Chad De La Guerra also had a strong offensive showing, going 2-3 and scoring a run.

The Spinners also celebrated social media night with the Spinners players having their headshots say their twitter names. Additionally, there was some on-field entertainment where fans chose to vote via Twitter and Instagram for who they believed should win competitions that were performed on the field by fans. Fans were also able to send in their pictures through Instagram of their seat and the best one received a prize.

In the second game of the three game series against Tri-City, the Spinners took a 5-4 loss. Despite the loss, the Spinners offense had a prominent showing. Center fielder Andrew Benintendi hit his fourth home run of the season. Eight of the nine starters had hits in the game, with De La Guerra, Matheny, Nunez, Basabe, all hitting doubles. Daniel Zandona was also impressive, pitching 2.1 scoreless innings, striking out two batters. Down 5-4 going into the bottom of the 9th, the Spinners made a strong effort to take the game into extras but came up short.

On the field between innings, there were multiple performances by the Zooperstars. Tim Tebull was there, dancing on the field and pranking the visiting team. He also walked around the concourse. Roger Clamens took the field as well, eating someone and then spitting them back up. The Zooperstars performance was appreciated by the fans on this year’s Camp Day.

The Spinners and Tri-City Valleycats concluded their three game series with the Valleycats coming away with the close victory, 4-2.

Lowell kept it close and even had the lead early on, jumping ahead 2-0 against the Valleycats.

The Spinners started the game by loading the bases with no outs. Chad De La Guerra doubled down the left field line to bring in two batters.

Tri-City took the lead in the 7th inning after they hit an infield single which loaded the bases. Then a wild pitch gave the ValleyCats a 3-2 lead. One batter later, they hit a sacrifice fly which extended their lead and the Spinners could pull no closer, falling, 4-2.

Victor Acosta had the only two hit night for the Spinners while De La Guerra had both RBI’s with his ninth double of the season (leads the team).

Luis Ramos started for the Spinners, allowing two runs in 5.1 innings and struck out a pair. Randy Perez (0-2, 1.62) came in to relieve him. He got out of one jam in the fifth inning but could not escape the other, picking up the loss with two runs, one earned, on a hit and two walks in an inning plus. New pitcher for the Spinners,Trevor Kelley, allowed an inherited runner to score, but was otherwise performed well as he pitched 1.2 innings and striking out a batter. Edwar Garcia pitched a scoreless ninth to give the Spinners a chance to win.

There was plenty of entertainment last night at LeLacheur Park as Chelmsford High School graduate and former NHL player, Keith Aucoin was in attendance at the stadium. He signed autographs for fans and supported his former minor league team, the Lowell Lock Monsters by wearing their jersey.

New England Professional Wrestler, Matt Taven was in attendance as well promoting the major wrestling event occurring at LeLacheur Park on August 2nd. Wrestlers such as Rey Mysterio, Rick Flair, and Matt Hardy. Matt Taven will be at the event as well. He also participated in the sumo challenge on field event where he clotheslined both sumo wrestlers and the crowd cheered frantically.

The Spinners start a new three game series against the (14-18) Auburn Doubledays starting Friday night at 7:05. Jake Cosart will start for the Spinners as the Spinners look to bounce back after their two game losing streak.